Sports Management Commons^™

"Do You Really See Us?":Black College Athlete Perceptions Of Inclusion At Di Historically White Institutions, Shannon Jolly, Jepkorir Rose Chepyator-Thomson

Journal of Athlete Development and Experience

While recent sport research has highlighted benefits of racial diversity on teams and in the workplace, few studies have examined how demographic composition is perceived by college athletes. Fewer have investigated how racially marginalized athletes experience the phenomena. Thus, the current study explores the intersection of race, gender, and athletic identity in Black college athletes at DI Historically White Institutions (HWIs), perceptions of inclusion, and its influence on sense of belonging. Employing critical race theory, two focus groups and six semi-structured interviews that incorporated vignettes were conducted with six current Black athletes at DI HWIs in the Southeastern U.S. Findings …

College Athletes’ Views On Academics: A Qualitative Assessment Of Perceptions Of Academic Success, Amanda M. Brouwer, John Johanson, Thomas Carlson

Journal of Athlete Development and Experience

The primary purpose of the current study was to give “voice” to college athletes regarding their views on academics. Given their perspectives, means of promoting their academic achievement were suggested. Research describing athletes’ experiences and the impact of socio-emotional stressors on academic success, especially for those not at a Division I school, is needed. Therefore, a qualitative study exploring the academic experiences of college athletes was conducted. Twelve focus groups of college athletes (N = 62) from six teams were held. Results revealed that college athletes are motivated to achieve by external factors and see grades as an external …

Why Engagement Matters In Sport Volunteer Motivation, Marcella G. Otto, J. Michael Martinez, Chris R. Barnhill

Journal of Applied Sport Management

Over the years, sport management scholars have been interested in sport volunteer research. Considering there is a heavy reliance on sport volunteers to successfully stage of sporting events, knowing how to recruit and retain these volunteers allows sport event managers and organizers to continue this success. One such way is through understanding the engagement of sport volunteers, specifically the influences of engagement. Through survey methodology, this study examined how engagement of 464 sport volunteers at college football bowl games influenced motivational aspects. Structural Equation Modeling found that meaningfulness and safety had a significant impact on love and purposive motivation through …

Athletics, Academics, And The Financial Condition Of U.S. Private Colleges, Jody W. Lipford, Jerry K. Slice

Journal of Applied Sport Management

Abstract

Many private colleges in the U.S. face financial difficulty. The role of athletics in the financial condition of U.S. colleges is subject to controversy. Supporters argue that collegiate sports draw students, improve student quality, and increase donor support. Detractors argue that athletics are costly and undermine the academic mission of the institution. In this paper, we examine metrics of athletic and academic quality to determine their effects on the financial health of a sample of U.S. private colleges. Our findings indicate that higher spending on athletics reduces an institution’s financial health and that academic quality increases an institution’s financial …

Monetizing Athlete Brand Image: An Investigation Of Athlete Managers’ Perspectives, Olzhas Taniyev, K.C. Mayer, Brian Gordon

Journal of Applied Sport Management

In a highly competitive sport marketplace, personal branding is a top priority for athletes. Thusly, marketers should leverage athletes’ talents and influence in creative ways to maximize their earning potential. This research explored the attributes of a marketable athlete, as well as promotional strategies to help secure athlete sponsorships. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with purposefully selected talent marketing practitioners with sport marketing agencies. The findings revealed relatable story, as well as perceived persona, as prevalent themes for a marketable athlete. Additionally, the themes of athlete-brand alignment and social media marketing were important to securing client promotion and sponsorships. These findings …

“No Tits In The Pits!”: An Exploratory Analysis Of The Experiences Of Female Decision Makers In Motorsports In The United States, Alexia Pedo Lopes

Theses and Dissertations

This study explored the lived experiences of sixteen women who have decision-making roles in motorsports in the United States. The purpose was to shed light on the experiences of women who broke the glass ceiling in this unexplored male-dominated industry (Glass & Cook, 2016). The challenges these women encountered along with the mechanisms they employed to navigate those, and finally their motivation to continue pursuing a career in this industry, were assessed via in-depth semi-structured interviews and then the data was analyzed following a constant comparison thematic analysis. Challenges and coping mechanisms were classified according to the four levels, namely …

Sport Fans' Consumption Behaviors Following The Covid-19 Pandemic And Return To In-Person Spectating, Frederick G. Grieve, Joseph C. Case

Findings in Sport, Hospitality, Entertainment, and Event Management

The purpose of the present investigation was to examine consumption of sporting events after sport leagues returned from the COVID-19 pandemic. A sample of 329 college-aged sport fans were recruited for the study. Participants were administered measures to assess their sport fandom, sport fandom spectator identification, sport rivalry fan perception, and behavioral consumption of sport. Data was obtained between October 2020 to January 2021 as sport leagues returned to play. Results from the current study indicated that current sport consumption is at a similar level as it was pre-pandemic. However, the methods of consumption were inconsistent. Participants in the present …

Prime Video Vs. Netflix Vs. Disney+: Investigating Fandom And Rivalry Among Direct-To-Consumer Streaming Services And Sport, Cody T. Havard, Timothy D. Ryan, Michael Hutchinson

Findings in Sport, Hospitality, Entertainment, and Event Management

The current study investigated differences in perceptions and likely behaviors toward rival out-groups among sport and direct-to-consumer streaming services. Results indicated that fans of sport reported higher identification with their favorite team and more negativity toward their rival team than did fans of streaming services. Further, being a fan of both sport and streaming services was correlated with more negativity toward the sport rival and more positivity toward rival streaming services. Finally, fans of streaming did not differ in their perceptions and likely behaviors toward rival groups among streaming platforms. Discussion focuses on implications and avenues for future research.

Sport Science Forum Abstracts, Frederick G. Grieve

Findings in Sport, Hospitality, Entertainment, and Event Management

Through a collaboration with the Sport Science Forum at Western Kentucky University, FinSHEEM is able to present the abstracts from the meeting focusing on sport science and sport fandom. Presenters are invited to submit full papers from the Forum.

The Influence Of Fantasy Sport Participation On Fans' Perceptions Of The Impact Of The Legalization Of Sport Wagering, Daniel L. Wann, Ryan K. Zapalac, Ted B. Peetz, Frederick G. Grieve, Julie A. Partridge

Findings in Sport, Hospitality, Entertainment, and Event Management

As states look for ways to increase revenue, many are making attempts to increase the availability of legalized sport wagering. Extending previous work designed to further our understanding of how such actions could potentially impact sport fandom, the current study examined the impact of prior participation in fantasy sports, a pastime sharing much in common with sport gambling. The findings revealed that level of participation in fantasy sports were related to expectations of increased sport wagering, should such opportunities become more available. However, fantasy sport participation was not related to expected changes in sport interest or consumption.

Is There Really No Crying In Baseball? Examining The Acceptance Of Crying In Sport, Tommy Derossett, Daniel L. Wanna, Jana Hackathorn, Sean C. Rife, Morgan Owens, Brighton C. Hollingsworth, Kaylee Noel, Kendrick Settler, Quinn Lambert, Meagan Beckerson

Findings in Sport, Hospitality, Entertainment, and Event Management

It is not uncommon to see tears shed by players on both the winning and losing teams, particularly after a championship game. However, sport is also seen as an environment where competitors go to “put their game faces on” and keep their emotions in check, such as during the film A League of Their Own, when a manager tells a sobbing player that “there is no crying in baseball!” The current study sought to examine the extent to which individuals agree with this perspective. Specifically, participants rated the acceptability of crying by males and females in both sport and non-sport …

Disney, Netflix, And Amazon Oh My! An Analysis Of Streaming Brand Competition And The Impact On The Future Of Consumer Entertainment, Cody T. Havard

Findings in Sport, Hospitality, Entertainment, and Event Management

The current analysis paper discusses the impact of brands such as Disney, Netflix, Amazon, and others on the growing streaming service space. In particular, comparisons and differences are identified between various streaming brands, addressing how consumers and the brands are influenced by the relevant competition and rivalries. Additionally, the passage also discusses how the streaming competition among content providers may impact the future of consumer entertainment. Finally, additional work and analysis regarding streaming and its impact on consumer behavior is requested.

Where The Sidewalk Ends: A Call To Action For Investigating The Impact Of The Covid-19 Pandemic On Fans And Consumers, Cody T. Havard

Findings in Sport, Hospitality, Entertainment, and Event Management

The current topical essay addresses the need for future researchers to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on consumers, fans, and supporters, and how organizations adapted to the health crisis. Specifically, background and ideas for research regarding the impact of COVID-19 are presented for the areas of sport, entertainment, hospitality, and event management.

Leveraging Dimensions Of Specialized Knowledge In The Theme Park Industry: An Analysis Of Stakeholder Perspectives, Carissa Baker

Findings in Sport, Hospitality, Entertainment, and Event Management

This analysis addresses the value of utilizing multiple knowledge domains when trying to grasp a subject. In this case, the discourses of academia, industry, and fandom can inform one another and prove beneficial to understanding a complex entity like a theme park. The analysis suggests breaking out of silos, embracing interdisciplinary, and engaging in informal and formal relationships between stakeholders with different perspectives.

Returning To The Magic: Examining The Impact Of Previous Attendance On Male And Female Disney Fans Perceptions Of Universal Theme Parks, Cody T. Havard, Daniel L. Wanna, Frederick G. Grieve, Timothy D. Ryan

Findings in Sport, Hospitality, Entertainment, and Event Management

The current study investigated the influence prior consumption has on male and female consumers and brand supporters. In particular, 206 self-reported fans of Disney reported their perceptions of the Disney and Universal theme parks brands. Results indicate that men reported more negative perceptions and likely behaviors toward Universal theme parks than did women. Further, those that had attended a Disney theme park were more negative toward Universal than participants that had not visited a Disney theme park. Finally, the interaction of prior park attendance and gender displayed significant differences among participants. The current findings study adds to the literature on …

Journey Into Your Imagination: A Topical Essay On Using The Spirit Of Imagination (With A Little Bit Of Figment) And Creativity In The Pursuit Of Knowledge, Cody T. Havard

Findings in Sport, Hospitality, Entertainment, and Event Management

The current research essay addresses the importance of using imagination and inspiration in the research process. The research process-the continued search for knowledge and understanding-should be a worthwhile endeavor, and one that brings satisfaction and inspiration to academics. Therefore, the current research essay discusses potential ways to use one's imagination to engage in meaningful, satisfying, and fulfilling research.

Using Sport Fandom To Aid In The Search For Meaning, Daniel L. Wann, Nancy H. Fast

Findings in Sport, Hospitality, Entertainment, and Event Management

The current investigation examined the extent to which sport fandom serves as a source of meaning in life. Participants completed a questionnaire packet assessing their level of fandom, level of identification with their favorite team, and their perception that following sport given their life meaning and purpose. The data suggest that, although sport fandom can and does provide meaning in life, it does so at modest levels. Additionally, as hypothesized, certain individuals were more likely to see sport fandom as a source of meaning, namely those with greater levels of general fandom and team identification.

Sport Science Forum 2022 Abstracts, Frederick G. Grieve

Findings in Sport, Hospitality, Entertainment, and Event Management

Through a collaboration with the Sport Science Forum at Western Kentucky University, FinSHEEM is able to present the abstracts from the meeting focusing on sport science and sport fandom. Presenters are invited to submit full papers from the Forum.

Standing Out While Fitting In: Exploring The Differential Roles Of Belonging And Distinctiveness In Team Choice, Tommy Derossett, Daniel L. Wann

Findings in Sport, Hospitality, Entertainment, and Event Management

Belonging and distinctiveness are considered innate motivators for human behavior and decision making. Satisfaction of both needs is often associated with increased levels of well-being and personal agency. Both belonging and distinctiveness have been examined as successful motivators for sport fandom, but research is needed to determine the differential roles of either trait in choosing a specific team or sport to follow. The current study asked participants to report their needs for belonging and distinctiveness and to choose a fictional sport team to cheer for upon moving to a new country. One team was described as being the “mainstream” team …

The Future Of Name, Image, And Likeness In Advertising, Olivia E. Nuss

LSU Master's Theses

This study explores the unique intersection of the law and the theories of communication related to a student athlete’s ability to receive compensation based off their name, image, and likeness (NIL). The purpose of this study is to understand the future of NIL legislation application as it relates to emerging media and student-athletes’ privacy interests in order to better understand influencer marketing and the impact new legislation will have on student-athlete brand deals. Through a series of semi-structured, in-depth interviews, I explored industry trends in NIL as it relates to brand partnerships and advertising, focusing on key players, methods, and …